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// Greater Kitsap Chamber

Small Business Resources

ESSENTIALS FOR SMALL BUSINESS

The Department of Labor & Industries provides many resources for businesses across Washington state, including guidelines and procedures to assist with the following:

  • Protect the health & safety of workers

  • Medical care & financial help for injured workers

  • Protect workers’ wages, hours, and breaks

  • Protect public from unsafe work environments

    This page serves as a resource linking local businesses with the tools they need to be successful. Stay tuned for monthly updates with information that you need to run your business!

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    Q2 HOT TOPIC: How L&I Supports Washington’s Small Businesses

    Running a business comes with countless challenges—compliance, safety regulations, hiring, and keeping up with ever-changing workplace laws. Fortunately, the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) is more than just a regulatory agency; it’s an invaluable partner for small businesses across the state.

    More Than Workplace Inspections

    L&I is widely recognized for its role in workplace safety, ensuring compliance with health and safety standards, and investigating hazards. However, many business owners don’t realize the wealth of resources and expertise L&I provides to support entrepreneurs at every stage of growth.

     With 19 offices statewide and a team of nearly 3,000 skilled professionals—including consultants and advisors—L&I is uniquely positioned to help businesses stay compliant, improve workplace safety, and navigate labor laws. Moreover, L&I offers confidential, no-fee consultations that can help you find and fix hazards in your workplace and strengthen your safety program. No fines or penalties will result from issues uncovered during a consultation.

     

    A One-Stop Shop for Small Business Support

    The L&I Small Business Office is a hidden gem for business owners looking for guidance on compliance, safety, and operations. Whether you’re just starting out or managing a growing workforce, L&I offers a variety of free services, including:

     ✅ Hiring Guidance: Confused about what paperwork you need to hire an employee? L&I provides step-by-step guidance to help businesses onboard new workers correctly.

    ✅ Safety & Compliance Templates: Need a workplace safety plan or record-keeping templates? L&I offers ready-to-use resources to simplify compliance and protect your employees.

    ✅ Workshops & Training: From L&I Essentials for Business (in English & Spanish) to ergonomics to retail safety to independent contractor guidelines, L&I hosts free educational workshops and maintains a video library covering essential topics for Washington businesses.

    ✅ Workers’ Compensation Expertise: As administrators of the state’s workers’ compensation system, L&I acts like a large insurance provider, ensuring that injured workers receive medical care and wage-replacement benefits—while also helping employers understand their responsibilities and reduce risks.

     

    A Vital—and Free—Resource for Local Businesses

    Navigating Washington’s labor laws and safety requirements doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With L&I’s free resources and expert guidance, small businesses can stay compliant, reduce risks, and build a safer, more productive workplace.

     

    Want to take advantage of these valuable business tools? Learn more at Lni.wa.gov/SmallBusiness

    Q1 HOT TOPIC: NEW YEAR, UPDATED RULES

    Start 2025 off on the right foot with all the latest updates from our small business resource partners at Washington State’s Department of Labor & Industries! Join the Greater Kitsap Chamber for a live webinar as we cover essential updates and business practices for the year ahead.

    Topics include:
    • Minimum wage increase
    • Overtime-exempt employee salary thresholds
    • Non-compete clauses & rideshare driver rates
    • Equal Pay & Opportunities: expanded protected categories
    • Paid Sick Leave: expanded family defnitions
    • Business best practices and more!

    This webinar is open to all businesses, regardless of Chamber membership or affiliation.
    We hope to see you there!

    2024 HOT TOPIC: WORKPLACE SAFETY

    An Accident Prevention Program (APP) is the foundation of your overall safety and health program and will help you document and organize your safety procedures. All employers are required to create and follow an APP and keep it up to date.

    Every employer in Washington State is required to create a written Accident Prevention Program (APP) to address the safety and health hazards found in their workplace. Many employers consider their APP as their cornerstone safety program.
    Identifying hazards is the first step to creating an APP. Resources, like the Job Hazard Analysis or the Workplace Hazard Basics course, are available to help you with that task. Other tools include program templates that require customizing in order to meet requirements.
    Depending on the hazards in your workplace, you may also need to create additional safety programs.
    An APP will help you prevent costly workplace injuries and keep workers working.
    Visit the L&I Accident Prevention Program website for more information.